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In Indiana, the pet grooming industry keeps growing as more and more people have pets.
Maybe you enjoy being around animals, and in that case, becoming a dog groomer can be what you need.
Have a look at the info below to learn more about this career field.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description and Duties
As a dog groomer, you will need to complete some daily tasks.
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Some of the duties you need to complete on a daily basis include:
- Trim the claws of the dog
- Give the animal a bath when needed
- Style the animal’s fur
- Have knowledge of keeping the dog calm
- Be able to stand for hours at a time
You should also:
- Know what tools need to be used based on the task
- Know how to use all the working tools
- Know the dog breeds and what the dog is meant to look like
- Know how to clean the ears of the animal
You will also have to make sure your work area stays clean, keep it tidy in between dog appointments.
Job requirements in Indiana
There are some character traits you should have to work as a dog groomer.
These include the following:
- Be a patient and calm individual
- Solid communication skills
- Ability to get along with people
- Be compassionate towards animals
While you will mostly be required to groom dogs, you must also know how to groom cats.
The cat grooming procedures include the following:
- Trimming the claws of the cat
- Shampooing and bathing the cat
- Brushing the cat and shaving its fur if needed
- Style the cat’s coat
- Clean the ears of the cat
Education and Licensing in Indiana
In Indiana, you don’t have to meet any requirements to get hired as a dog groomer.
But, you should consider enrolling in a trade school to develop your skills.
Most facilities only hire someone who already has a certification.
You can get your certification after you complete the training program.
Although having a high school diploma or GED is not required, having one of these is beneficial.
The dog grooming programs are typically short.
After you complete the program, you will need to take an exam that assesses your skills.
The subjects you will take during your training course include the following:
- Introduction to Pet Grooming
- Introduction to Dogs and Cats
- Pre-Grooming Procedures
- Dog Grooming
- Dog Personalities and Behavior
- Cat Grooming
- Business Practices
Salary Information in Indiana
You may wonder how much you can earn as a dog groomer in Indiana.
In this state, the median wage is about $33,900 a year and the best dog groomers in Indiana earn a salary of about $49,960 in a year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $33,895 |
| Fort Wayne | $32,370 |
| Evansville | $32,795 |
| South Bend | $32,436 |
| Carmel | $33,853 |
| Fishers | $32,061 |
| Bloomington | $31,962 |
| Hammond | $34,559 |
| Gary | $34,559 |
| Lafayette | $33,687 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 120 | $30,350 | $14.59 | $42,540 | $21,590 |
| Columbus, IN | 60 | $26,360 | $12.68 | $35,800 | $19,130 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 100 | $28,120 | $13.52 | $37,420 | $22,430 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 340 | $28,280 | $13.59 | $42,280 | $18,630 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 320 | $28,470 | $13.69 | $36,650 | $21,570 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 2,430 | $29,760 | $14.31 | $41,990 | $21,870 |
| Kokomo, IN | 40 | $32,090 | $15.43 | $46,190 | $21,830 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 230 | $28,880 | $13.89 | $41,960 | $21,310 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 90 | $28,080 | $13.5 | $44,050 | $20,910 |
| Muncie, IN | 170 | $28,330 | $13.62 | $37,290 | $21,830 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 140 | $31,440 | $15.11 | $45,660 | $21,670 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 120 | $26,240 | $12.62 | $37,700 | $17,620 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
However, you will be able to earn a higher salary after you get some experience, or in larger cities.
Dog Grooming Schools in Indiana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| A Special Touch Grooming and Academy | 311 South 00 E.W. Kokomo, IN 46902 |
| Hydrant Pet Center | 8630 Kennedy Ave, Highland, IN 46322 |
| Grooming School of Indiana | 2435 S. State Road 135 Greenwood, IN 46143 |
| SMOOCHIE POOCH | 1220 N Main St Crown Point |
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Additional Information
In this state, dog groomers can work in facilities like vet clinics and pet grooming salons.
Starting a personal small business is why some folks choose this career path.
If you need additional resources and information, check out the sites below:
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Indiana Dog Grooming Directory
- Indiana Dog Resources
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State